An Unexpected Turn of Events

Chapter Fifty-three

The next few days were rather subdued for the Hunters. Harry and Ginny were very quiet and depressed. Remus and the Twins weren't stupid and realized they weren't being told the whole story. Tonks finally told them nicely that they should mind their own business if they knew what was good for them.

The Twins took it good naturedly but Remus tried to get a little more information from Tonks when they were alone.

"Listen Remus, I'm glad you're concerned but it's up to Harry and Ginny if they wish to talk about what's going on. Till that time please drop it and please don't pester them, they're having a tough enough time as it is."

Remus nodded, "OK Nymph, I just want to help them," he replied.

"I know you do but right now they need some space to deal with what they're going through. In time I'm sure they'll share what's the problem, right now it's just too painful."

Fred and George did try to pay some extra attention to cheer the unhappy couple up, but in a supportive manner. They would sit and talk with them if they seemed amendable, if not they let them be.

Hermione was still having quite a bit of trouble and she and Tonks took many a walk. She usually was much better on their return.

Remus and someone, usually one of the Twins and sometimes both of them, would scout out Hogsmeade on Tuesdays but the weather wasn't cooperating and Mundungus was a no show. They checked in with Aberforth and he informed them that Dung was not coming on any other day.

This certainly didn't help Harry's mood any and as he got more depressed so did Ginny.

December came and rolled by day after day, week after week. You could almost tell the day of the week by Harry's mood, the closer it got to Tuesday the more upbeat and involved he became . Then when the Watchers got back from Hogsmeade with a negative report Harry's mood plummeted and he was back in the abyss again.

Finally the Christmas Holiday was approaching and they decided to take a little time off, it had been approximately a month since Harry and Ginny's breakdown and they were starting to do a bit better. Ginny was becoming involved and started to join Tonks and Hermione on their walks. It helped her and she was able to help Harry and they began to get into the Christmas Spirit.

It was Christmas Eve and the mood was a bit subdued. They were all missing their family and loved ones. Remus and Harry had gone out and cut down a tree and the girls had decorated it very nicely.

The Twins had gotten their prerequisite Garden Gnome somewhere, Stupefied it and stuck it on top of the tree dressed as an Angel, causing Ginny and Harry to laugh, remembering Christmases past.

This lead to all of them sitting around the tree reminiscing on past Christmases. Tonks suggested that they all tell of their most memorable Christmas.

Remus started and told of the last Christmas that he had spent with Lily and James. Harry listened raptly as Remus described the festive atmosphere that Lily liked to create. He painted a picture with his words of how she had the house decorated and what she would cook. He finished by saying that this was his best Christmas he had since their deaths.

Tonks went next and spoke of the first Christmas that she remembered as a child. She was five or six and the wonders of the season, the tree, the gifts and all the family from her fathers side coming to visit. It was funny because he was Muggle born so magic was kept to a minimum. She remembered her Mum taking her aside and telling her she was not to change her hair colour as that had been her favourite trick to play. Plus how perplexed she had been by all the muggle toys she received from her Dad's side of the family.

The Twins went next and they entertained the group with their stories of Christmases past. Their most memorable one was the first after Ginny had been born much to the surprise of Ginny.

Everything had changed they explained and they were so shocked with the things she had received. They were use to all the "boy stuff' and seeing all the things for the baby girl had just floored them.

Even as they grew older Ginny had behaved differently, where the boys tore off the wrapping paper in a frenzy to get their gifts unwrapped, hardly looking at the gifts till they were finished, Ginny sat quietly and unwrapped each present slowly and deliberately, looking at each carefully before moving on to the next.

This had caused a little turmoil as the boys wanted to help her finish unwrapping her gifts, but she had hollered and their parents had intervened. They were Ginny's gifts and she could unwrap them however she pleased. She had ended up making a game of it, taking as much time as possible because the others weren't allowed to leave until everyone was finished. She had been able to make her brothers behave and even attempt to bribe her in an effort to get her to speed things up.

This made Harry look at Ginny and she smiled Angelically back at him causing him to grin back at her. He just hoped she didn't pull too many of the same things on him.

Hermione was next and she recalled the Christmas when she was eight years old. It was the last one they had stayed home and had their celebration there. Every year after that they had travelled for the holiday, usually to the Continent to ski.

They had a huge tree that touched the ceiling and her Mum had baked all sorts of wonderful things, pies, cookies, cakes and breads. She still remembered how wonderful the house had smelled for days leading up to Christmas Day.

Ginny was next to go and before she began she looked shyly at Harry. Her most memorable Christmas was the first one at the Burrow after she and Harry had started going together.

Harry was still not used to the idea that people actually gave him presents and even though most were hand made or not very lavish, watching Harry's face light up with each present he opened made her heart sing. The wonder and delight he experienced seemed so pure and innocent. That was what she remembered the most. When she was done she looked back over at Harry and she saw his eyes glistening.

Finally it was Harry's turn and they all looked at him. He locked eyes with Ginny for a moment and then excused himself. When he returned he was carrying a book and Ginny looked at him questioningly.

He looked at Ginny and smiled. "I have two Christmases that stand out and I can't pick one over the other so I'm going to share both," he said.

He took a deep breath, "The first is my first year at Hogwarts, though I'm sure my parents must have had a wonderful Christmas for me I don't remember it. That first Christmas at Hogwarts was the first time I remember getting any presents. I never received any at my Aunt and Uncles so the fact that anyone gave me any presents was so unreal to me. I can still feel the love that was in each and every one of them. The Weasleys went out of there way to make sure that I had something.

They all looked at him in wonder, only Remus could relate to how Harry must have felt. The years since Lily and James had died were so like the years Harry had grown up through.

Harry then looked back at Ginny before opening the book he had retrieved and he took out a small battered tag.

"The second one is the same as Ginny's, the First Christmas we spent together as a couple." He held up the tag and Ginny recognized it right away, she had a shocked look on her face.

"This is the tag from the gift Ginny gave me, she had made a scarf to match the jumper Molly had made for me." He read it out loud to them, "To Harry, made with Love, From Ginny"

Ginny was gobsmacked that Harry still had the tag.

Harry smiled "It was the first time that I had in writing that someone loved me. Though I know that Molly poured lots of love into the jumpers she made for me it was unspoken." Harry looked at the tag, "This is one of my most prized possessions."

Ginny's eyes were glistening as much as Harry's were and she leaned over and hugged him hard. No words were necessary, the love they felt for one another was apparent to all.

Fred got up and turned on the wireless and holiday music filled the tent.

Harry looked around at the small group, they were all his friends and family and his heart swelled with the love that he felt.

The clock struck midnight and Silent Night began to play on the wireless. Harry began to sing softly along, he was joined by Ginny who rested her head on his shoulder. Slowly they all joined in and sang along with Harry and Ginny.

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace!
Sleep in heavenly peace!

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from Heaven afar,
Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour, is born!
Christ, the Saviour, is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!

When they were finished Harry said softly, "Happy Christmas everyone."

They all wished each other Happy Christmas and then the Twins faces lit up.

"It's Christmas Day!" said George.

"And you know what that means," added Fred.

"PRESENTS!" the both said together causing everyone to laugh at their child-like exuberance.

They all exchanged presents, almost everything was small, simple and handmade. Harry looked around and saw the happiness and love that filled everyone. He knew that this was another one of those special Christmases that he would treasure for the rest of his life.

Finally much later the celebration wound down and they headed off to bed. Harry noticed Ginny seemed quite nervous about something. As they cuddled together he looked at his wife and asked, "What's the matter my love?"

Hesitantly Ginny looked at Harry, "I want one more gift tonight Harry," she said shyly.

"All you need to do is ask," he replied softly.

Ginny buried her head in Harry's chest, "I stopped my potion and I want to have a baby," she said. "I know that this is not the best time or place but that's what I want."

Ginny couldn't bring herself to look into Harry's eyes, unsure of what his answer would be.

Harry gently tilted Ginny's head up and looked into her eyes. No words were necessary, he just leaned in and kissed her passionately. They slowly undressed one another. Their touches were soft and gentle, their passion tempered by their love.

Harry positioned himself over Ginny and she guided him into her. She groaned as he entered her, filling her once again with his hot throbbing member. She still couldn't believe the pleasure that she received when they made love. The feeling of completeness that enveloped her was overwhelming.

They locked eyes and traded looks of love as Harry slowly and rhythmically thrust in and out of of her dripping womanhood. Ginny wrapped her legs around Harry and pulled him in deeper, feeling every millimetre as he drove himself into her.

Harry feelings were just as intense as those Ginny was feeling, her hot wetness fuelling his ardour for his beloved wife. He fought the urge to increase the speed of their love making wanting to make it last as long as possible. It seemed to increase the feelings he was experiencing.

Their love making remained slow and gentle, two souls joining to create a new one. As the reached their climaxes Ginny knew that they'd been successful. A new life had begun and their future together would be filled with love and wonder. Somehow she knew that they would be successful in Harry's quest and they'd live and raise their family.

Ginny snuggled into Harry's side and smiling they both drifted off to sleep with the melody of Silent Night running through both their minds.

XX

The cloaked figure who sat watching the Square shivered with the cold that was creeping into his bones. It was quite blustery and he knew he should have dressed warmer. He decided to take a small break and head to the Three Broomsticks and warm up for a little while. What harm could it do he figured, Potter hadn't shown in months, what were the odds that he's show up on this cold January evening. Rising slowly he looked around to see if he was drawing any unwarranted attention. Seeing no one he ambled over towards the Inn that had a nice warm fire waiting and a drink to ease the pain from sitting still for so long.

XX

New Years came and with it Harry had a renewed sense of purpose he began to apply himself to the hunt. As Harry's mood got better so did Ginny's and while she still wasn't the vivacious young woman she had been, she wasn't as morose and depressed either.

Tuesday rolled around and Harry was once more filled with hope. Fred and George were the two designated to go into Hogsmeade and they were preparing themselves by changing their appearances, mainly their hair colour because their red was quite distinctive.

Abe had told them that Dung usually showed up in the late afternoon so they waited till about 3:30 before they headed out. Harry was quite anxious because they had been trying for so long to find Dung.

The minutes ticked by and stretched past an hour. Harry began pacing, trying to burn off some of his excess energy. Suddenly George's Patronus popped into view, "He's here," was all it said.

Harry froze for a second like he couldn't believe what he had just heard. Remus and Tonks jumped up excited. "What are we waiting for," Tonks cried. "Let's get going."

Harry smiled and took Ginny's hand, he looked at Hermione, Remus and Tonks and he saw their eagerness matched his own. Maybe they'd finally get an answer tonight. Taking a big breath, he nodded and the all Apparated away.

They appeared on the outskirts of Hogsmeade and quickly made their way to where Fred and George should have been stationed. Harry almost walked right by them as he had forgot they had chanced their appearances.

"Psst! Harry," he heard from his right. He glanced over and it took a moment but he then recognized George.

"Where is he?" Harry whispered.

"Just up ahead," George replied softly. "He seems kind of jumpy so we'd better get him quick."

"OK by me," Harry said.

George gave him a look, "Fred and I will slip down around him to cut him off in case he tries to get away."

Harry nodded, "Good Idea, you take the right," he then turned to Remus and Tonks, "Why don't you two do the same on the left."

"OK, Harry," Remus said. He and Tonks moved off into the growing shadows.

He, Ginny and Hermione began to work their way down the street, trying to act nonchalantly like they weren't headed anywhere in particular. Either Dung didn't buy it or just his natural survival instincts kicking in he began to walk away from them. He ducked in and out of the sparse crowd and they were in danger of losing him.

Ginny saw Mundungus trying to slip away down a side alley and was about to say something when she saw the Twins come up behind him and each took him by an elbow.

"Dung, Old Chap," said George.

"Good to see you," added Fred

"Come along and we'll have a Pint," finished George.

Mundungus' face change from concerned to hopeful when he heard George mentioned a Pint.

They all strolled over to where Harry, Ginny and Hermione waited and they started to walk down the street in the direction of the Three Broomsticks. As they approached the Inn, Remus and Tonks joined the group. Mundungus started to get concerned again as they passed it by.

"Um, Georgie," he said, "Ain't we stopping for that Pint?"

George and Fred still had him lightly by the elbows, "Why sure we are," replied George, "We're just going some place a little more discreet," added Fred.

Mundungus smiled again, "Ah, the Hog's Head," he said, "More my kind of place."

Inside his back to the window, facing the fire, a dark cloaked man didn't notice the group pass the Three Broomsticks.

They all entered the Hog's Head and headed for a table in the back. Remus and Tonks stopped at the bar and got drinks for everyone.

"To what do I owe this bit o' good fortune," Dung asked.

Harry got right to the point, "Well Dung, we heard you came into possession of something we're looking for," he said.

Mundungus' eyes lit up, "Maybe there's some Galleons to be made," he said to himself. "What's that?" he asked.

"We know you recently came into possession of a Silver Cup. It's about this tall," said Harry indicating with his hand about six inches above the table, " And it has a Badger engraved on each side."

Mundungus' face fell, "I no longer have it," he said ruefully.

"What happened to it," Hermione asked.

"Sold it, I did," Dung said, "Got a pretty price for it too."

"Who'd you sell it to?" asked Harry.

"Some Ministry hag," said Dung, "Said she wanted it as a gift for the Minister himself."

"Do you know who it was?" asked Ginny.

"Yeah, it was that Toad, Umbridge," Dung replied.

Harry sat back, his mind racing. Getting something from Umbridge or the Minister of Magic could prove very hard indeed. Turning his attention back to Mundungus he asked, How'd you come by the cup?"

Looking a little abashed but also with a bit of pride he said "I, ah, appropriated it, I did."

"What?" asked Harry.

"Well see, I found myself in need of a lay low for a spell see, and I knew of this old mansion that no one goes near, see, so I slipped in late at night to stay out of the way for a bit. Seeing as the place seemed to abandoned, I took to pokin round see, and I found this hidey-hole in the dinning room. It bein a strange place to be hidin sumptin, I figured I'd have a look see. That's were I found the cup."

"Weren't there any wards or protective spells?" Hermione asked.

"Well yeah," said Dung. "But we, ah, salvage experts have our ways o' gittin round them, see and since the place seemed abandoned I figured no harm in helpin meself."

"Where is this mansion?" Harry asked.

"A fair piece from here," he said. "A small village called Little Hangleton. You probably never heard of it."

Hermione's eyes widened and she was about to say something when Harry cut her off, "Right on that count Dung," he said

Mundungus finished his Pint and looked around hopefully, "Can I git another Pint?" he asked.

"Sure Dung," Tonks said as she flipped him a Galleon.

Mundungus caught the Galleon in mid-air and left to go up to the bar. He sat down there and got his drink. He didn't return to the table which was OK with Harry. "Well that certainly complicates things," Ginny said.

Fred chuckled and said, "You can say that again."

George looked at him saying, "OK. That certainly complicates things," causing everyone to laugh.

Tonks said, "Let me make a few inquiries with my friends at the Ministry."

Ginny looked concerned, "Won't that put you in a lot of danger?"

"A little," Tonks replied with a shrug, "But without risk, we can not hope to prevail."

Remus looked at her with great concern on his face, "Do you need me to come with you?" he asked.

Tonks looked thoughtful for a moment, "Need you to? No, but I do want you to," she said with a smile.

Remus blushed and relaxed a bit.

Harry looked at her, "Do you need or want anyone else to come with you two?" he asked.

Tonks chuckled at his comment, "As much as I'd like to Harry, I think it best if just Remus and I go."

Harry thought about it for a moment, "What if I say different?" he asked.

Tonks looked back at Harry steadily, "Harry, you're in charge and I'll do whatever you say but I don't want to put any more at risk than necessary."

Harry glanced at Ginny who locked eyes with him causing him to smile slightly. He didn't know why but he drew great comfort from her at that moment.

"All right Tonks," he said. "When do you think you'll be going?"

Tonks looked at him after glancing at Remus, "Tomorrow night."

Harry nodded, "All right see what you can find out and we'll take it from there."

As they got up to leave, Aberforth made eye contact with Harry and with a slight jerk of his head he indicated he wanted to talk with him.

Harry lingered as the others made their way out of the door except Ginny who stayed by Harry's side.

Aberforth glanced quickly around the bar room, only Dung and one other patron were left sitting at the bar and they seemed to be in deep conversation. Aberforth pulled a some what battered piece of parchment from his apron and quickly handed it to Harry.

Without even looking at it he hastily tucked it away as Aberforth whispered, "Albus said I was to give that to you if I saw you and he was dead. I almost forgot I had it and just ran across it the other day. Sorry for the late delivery."

Harry just nodded and took Ginny's hand. Aberforth nodded back, nothing more was needed to be said.

Harry and Ginny exited and found the others waiting outside, they had questioning looks on their faces. Harry just shook his head slightly and they all Apparated away.

As soon as they had left, Aberforth noticed the hooded figure who had been talking with Dung suddenly excused himself and exited the bar, leaving a nearly full drink and a shocked Mundungus sitting there.

Aberforth didn't like it but he didn't know what he could do about it.

XX

A/N: So Dung no longer has the Cup and it's in a place that will be hard to get to.

Harry and Ginny and Hermione are still struggling with their demons. Plus Ginny wants to have another baby right away.